look news india
Once again a big and scary question mark has been raised on the safety of Indian students who came to the United Kingdom (UK) with the dream of higher education and a better future. Indian youth studying in major cities of Britain are suddenly facing racial hatred, harassment and open threats. From social media to streets, Indian students are being targeted and it is being said in strong words, ‘What have you come to do in England, don’t be seen here again.’ After this sensational and horrifying incident came to light, there has been immense concern and panic among thousands of Indian students living in Britain, their families and the diplomatic corridors of the Government of India. These threats being received by the Indian youth have created a stir at the international level amidst the atmosphere of extreme right-wing and anti-immigrant sentiment that has emerged in many parts of Britain in recent times. Let us know from the perspective of an independent international reporter what is the current situation of Indian students at the ground level and what steps the British police and administration are taking on this.
Millions of Indian students are pursuing higher education in renowned universities located in major cities of Britain like London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leicester. But for the last few days, inflammatory and racist comments are being made openly targeting these students. Under the cover of the ongoing violent protests against local migrants, some anti-social elements are misbehaving with Indian students in rented houses, hostels and at places of public transport. Many students, while narrating their ordeal, said that they were stopped at bus stops, shopping malls and outside the university campus and threatened to immediately pack their bags and return to their country, otherwise something bad could happen to them. This racial venom is not just limited to the streets, but threatening messages are also being sent to Indian students on WhatsApp groups and social media platforms.
In the past few months, there has been huge discontent and anger among local citizens and far-right groups in Britain over the slowing economy, housing crisis and problems in local jobs. These groups allege that due to immigrants coming to Britain from outside, the rights of the local people are being snatched away. However, Indian students come to study in Britain legally by obtaining visas, paying fees running into millions of rupees and contributing to the country’s economy. Despite this, innocent Indian students are being made the direct victims of this blind anger towards immigrants. Students say that they feel extremely scared and nervous while returning from their part-time jobs or library late at night, as the hooliganism of anti-social elements on the streets is increasing.
Taking cognizance of the news of this open threat and racial attack being received by Indian students in Britain, the Indian High Commission in London has immediately adopted a tough stance. The Indian Embassy has taken up this matter very seriously with the UK Government and the local police administration and has given strict instructions to ensure the safety of Indian citizens and students. Along with this, the High Commission has also issued a special security advisory for all Indian students living in the UK. In the advisory, students have been advised to avoid going out alone at night without any urgent work, stay away from protests or crowded areas and in case of any emergency, immediately contact the local police and the helpline numbers of the Indian High Commission.
Here in India, families living in states like Punjab, Delhi, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra are extremely worried and stressed about the safety of their children. Parents who send their children to Britain for a secure future with their life’s earnings and huge education loans are unable to sleep every night after seeing these news coming on TV and newspapers. Education experts believe that if the UK government does not curb these racist forces in time, then Britain’s reputation as an education hub at the global level will be completely ruined. In the coming times, Indian students may turn to countries like Canada, Australia or Germany instead of the UK, due to which the British economy and universities may have to suffer huge financial losses.